Melissa Matthewson, who started a local Small Farms Program, has joined the nonprofit Rogue Advocates whose stated goal is to make the Rogue Valley a more livable and sustainable place to live.

Matthewson will help develop the organization's capacity and resources, according to Steve Rouse, president of Rogue Advocates.

"Melissa brings great energy, expertise and experience to grow our organization's development and participation in land-use policy in Southern Oregon," he said in a prepared statement.

Matthewson spent the last five years working for Oregon State University, developing its local Small Farms Program. Her experience includes working for a national nonprofit overseeing fundraising, outreach, board development and event coordination.

She will expand similar programs for Rogue Advocates in Jackson and Josephine counties, Rouse indicated.

"I am excited to start a new challenge with Rogue Advocates," she said. "I am fortunate to be joining such a respected group that prides itself on its land-use advocacy work."

She is a co-owner of Barking Moon Farm, a certified organic vegetable farm based in the Applegate Valley.

For more information on Rogue Advocates, see www.rogueadvocates.org.